In the midst of the current budget crisis, lawmakers are searching for ways to save money and use existing funds more effectively and efficiently. One way to do this is to expand outpatient competency restoration initiatives. When an individual with mental illness is charged with a crime and deemed incompetent to stand trial, they must go through a competency restoration process. This typically takes place in a state psychiatric hospital at an average cost of $401 per individual, per day. A less expensive and often times more effective alternative is to provide mental health and competency restoration services in their communities through the local mental health authorities. While outpatient competency restoration services are not appropriate for everyone, many of those waiting in jails for expensive inpatient services have been charged with misdemeanor crimes and could be served safely in their communities. To learn more, please see the Hogg Foundation fact sheet on outpatient competency restoration.